MusicianCV · TREighth note
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Durations and signs
Eighth note · 1/8 → ♩ ÷ 2
Convert durations to the same unit before adding them. Tempo sets the length of a quarter note in seconds. Read the bar total separately from an individual duration.
Example
Notation / equivalent duration · 1/8 / ♩ ÷ 2
Notation / equivalent duration1/8 ♩ ÷ 2
Try it
Does halving the tempo change the duration ratio in this notation?
Answer
The ratio stays the same. With the same beat unit, every duration in seconds doubles.Related topics
Pickup: beginning before the downbeatReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom · Further reading
Subject-expert review pending.